Lower Saucon, Hellertown Foresee Future Joint Projects

Officials of both municipalities came away optimistic and set plans for further discussion of last night's suggestions.

They chose emergency communications as their immediate focus, although water and sewer considerations were seen as top priorities at the beginning of the meeting.

"I'd like to focus in on one area and make it a success," said Lower Saucon Vice Mayor Kenneth Platt. He said he would like to start with a less complicated matter to begin opening the communication lines.

But even the communications topic may not be so simple. Earlier this year, Lower Saucon installed a new base station for about $23,000.

Last year, while it was considering the purchase, township officials approached Hellertown to see if it was interested in joint dispatching. However, Hellertown Councilman Richard Fluck said borough officials were put off by the fact that, within five days of the offer, Lower Saucon authorized the purchase of a new system without discussing the matter with Hellertown. He said borough officials took that to mean cooperation would not be possible and chose to update its own system. Bids will be opened at Hellertown Council's May 5 meeting.

Platt said Lower Saucon addressed what council at that time felt was an immediate need. However, he suggested Hellertown re-evaluate costs and consider rejecting all bids and combine dispatching with the township.

Lower Saucon Councilman Mark Chehi said he did not care where the system is located if it makes joint dispatching feasible.

It was also suggested that, since Hellertown has a police holding cell, Borough Hall may be the most feasible location for a dispatching center.

Platt suggested having the municipalities' managers compare costs for running individual dispatching centers with those for a merged center. He suggested they discuss the pros and cons and report to their respective councils. The two groups agreed to meet again jointly in about a month.

Platt also said that, if Hellertown does not want to merge, all discussions should not end. He said mutual benefit may be found on other projects.

Also discussed was the possible merger of police departments. Hellertown Planning Commissioner Grant Hoffert said Lower Saucon police sometimes must pass through Hellertown for an emergency at the other end of the township. He said more efficient protection perhaps could be given.

Hellertown Councilman Benjamin Muschlitz suggested "getting it out of the hands of the politicians." He suggested having the administrations discuss such matters.

Platt said that would be fine, but felt the administrations would want direction from their councils.

A police merger will not be considered initially but is a future possibility, as is the extension of water or sewer service by the borough authority to parts of the township.

"We've got water to sell," said authority Chairman Alfred Fritchman. "That's the business we're in. Additional revenue can only help our customers."